Around the AFC West: Raiders carry momentum into key matchup with Chiefs
By Ellen Mathis
Let’s take a look around the AFC West as the Chiefs come off the bye to challenge the Raiders.
What a boring week. As much as the players appreciate a bye, I simply don’t. And I use YouTube TV which is awesome. The week before the Kansas City Chiefs’ bye, they offered Red Zone for free. Not so much this past week. I really wish I could have had Red Zone. It would have made Sunday slightly more exciting. Oh, well.
The Chiefs are finally back and possibly back for one of the most important games of the season. Before we dive in, let’s look around the AFC West.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders hosted the Denver Broncos in an AFC West matchup that was far from exciting. The Broncos are terrible and the Raiders had to win in order to keep pace with the Chiefs and vie for the AFC West title. They also had to win because there are a number of contenders right now hunting for wild card spots. It turns out the Broncos are even worse than I thought, and the Raiders had a party.
The Raiders struggled in the first half, but their defense saved them. The Raiders forced 5 turnovers—one fumble and 4 (!) interceptions off Drew Lock. I would say that it was just because the Broncos are that bad, but frankly, four interceptions isn’t just Lock being bad. The defense came to play and they put on a clinic.
Former Cowboys safety Jeff Heath had two interceptions Sunday for the Raiders. He has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week pic.twitter.com/oQKjQItINc
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 18, 2020
In addition to the defense, Josh Jacobs ran wild. I’m convinced that the Raiders offense only works when Jacobs is working. If their run game is on point, it opens up the passing game. Consequently if their offensive line is clicking, it opens up the run game and the passing game. Derek Carr wasn’t sharp, but he did just enough to not get in their way. Eventually it turned into a blowout and the Raiders are sitting at 6-3 heading into Week 11.
Most recently, the Raiders are facing some COVID issues heading into a huge matchup against the Chiefs. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell and DB Lamarcus Joyner were both placed on the COVID list. It appears that Ferrell will not play on Sunday. In addition, because of Ferrell’s test, most of the defense has been placed on the list as well. This will limit their practices, although it seems unlikely that they will still be on the list come Sunday. It wouldn’t surprise me, however, if the NFL moved the game from Sunday night as a precaution.
Speaking of Sunday night, assuming it all stays the same, the Raiders host the Chiefs in what feels like an old school Raider Week showdown. I think this sums up the showdown the best:
Don't wanna be alarmist, but honestly, Chiefs @ Raiders in Week 11 is the single biggest AFC West game in the last few years, right? A loss means:
— Matt Conner (@MattConnerAA) November 16, 2020
1. Raiders are 1 game back
2. Swept season series
3. Gotta read more Derek Carr BS
4. We spend next 12 months asking "The Raiders?!"
This is a huge game for both teams, and I, for one, cannot wait. I really hope this is an old school butt-kicking from the Chiefs, and I do expect at least one fight and a bus celebration.
Game time is Sunday at 7:20 p.m.